[Car Tips] Fines and Points for Driving Distracted While Using a Cell Phone
📱🚗 Let me tell you: Do you know the consequences of using your phone while driving?
Dear drivers, do you ever want to “quickly reply to a message” or “check WhatsApp” while driving?
I would like to sound the alarm once again: in Hong Kong, using a mobile phone while driving (especially handheld) is not only extremely dangerous, but there are clear laws that stipulate fines and deduction points , and it may also affect your driving test or license renewal.
1️⃣ What is the legal basis?
Hong Kong's regulations are based on Regulation 42B of the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations ( Cap. 374G ):
Any driver who uses a mobile phone or other communication device to make calls, send and receive messages, or use applications while driving is committing an offence.
Key Departments:
- "Hand-held" does not necessarily mean talking on the phone; typing, reading messages, and playing games are also illegal.
- Placing it on a stand and not having to hold it is another matter (but if you are distracted by it, you may still be charged with "not paying attention to driving").
2️⃣ How much are the fines and points deducted?
According to the latest regulations in 2025:
| Violations | Fixed penalty | Points deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Driving with a mobile phone or other handheld communication device | HK$2,000 | 5 points deduction |
💡 Remember: Under the Driving Offence Points System, if you accumulate 15 points within 24 months, your license will be suspended for three months. If you have been suspended before, and you accumulate another 15 points within another 24 months, your license will be suspended for six months.
3️⃣ Some people often think they are not breaking the law, but in fact they will fall into the trap
- Don’t use your phone while waiting at a red light 🚫 Don’t think you can just stop driving. Legally, “while driving” includes the time you’re stopped at a red light.
- Use the phone as a navigation but hold it in your hand✅ You can use the navigation, but it must be fixed on the bracket , not handheld.
- Just checking the time/notification reminders 🚫 is also considered paying attention to the communication device and is a violation.
4️⃣ Why is it so strict?
The editor has looked up information from the Transport Department - even if you look at the phone for just 2 seconds, at a speed of 50 kilometers, you have already driven blindly for nearly 28 meters!
Hong Kong's roads are crowded with cars and pedestrians, and such moments of carelessness can easily lead to accidents. Police statistics show that distracted driving (including mobile phone use) is a common cause of traffic accidents.
5️⃣ Editor’s Tips
- Use a hands-free device : But remember, hands-free does not mean safety. It is best to pull over to a safe place before using it.
- Set "Do Not Disturb Mode" : Automatically mute or block notifications while driving.
- Navigation pre-set : Don't change your route while driving.
❤️ Summary
📌 In Hong Kong, driving while using a mobile phone = $2,000 fine + 5 points deduction📌 At the same time, you may also be charged with "driving without paying attention", which has more serious consequences.
I sincerely want to say that whether you're checking work messages or scrolling through social media, it's not worth risking your life. Next time you want to use your phone, stop your car before you use it . Safety first.
